Vanunu is new Rector of Glasgow University

international | anti-war / imperialism | news report Thursday December 16, 2004 13:35 by Justin Morahan - Peace People

Students say Yes to Vanunu

Mordechai Vanunu has been elected Rector of Glasgow University. He won 1033 student votes with John Ross Beattie, the runner-up, getting 793 votes. University students claimed that they wanted Vanunu as Rector to show that they support basic human rights, and that they oppose weapons of mass destruction.
In a press release, Annie Vaz says that Mr Vanunu will hold office for three years, representing the students in diverse ways, which can include chairing the University Court. The Rector's participation in events is entirely voluntary and depends on their own availability and choice. The role is principally as spokesperson and representative for student issues. The Rector is not active in University strategy or policy-making.
Mordechai Vanunu is at present living in Jerusalem under virtual house arrest since his release from Ashkelon prison last April. He had spent almost 18 years there, eleven and a half of them in solitary confinement.